The Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance (MAOA) is seeking feedback on the Australian Government's proposed Cashless Debit Card. Which may or may not be introduced to Geraldton

Payment system to all people who receive Commonwealth benefits from the Department of Social Services (DSS). If introduced the Card will be compulsory. This system will limit and direct how your money can be spent. Your benefit will be paid into two bank accounts - 20 per cent into a regular bank account and 80 per cent into the Cashless Debit Card account.

The Debit Card will look like, and operate as any normal bank debit card and can be used online. It can be used for to day-to-day expenses such as buying groceries and clothes; paying bills and for travel. The card will have an exclusion and will not work to pay for grog, gambling or cash withdrawal. Anyone who receives a payment from Centrelink like:

* Newstart (eg unemployment benefit);
* Youth Allowance
* Disability Support Pension
* Parenting Payment or Carers

Payment will be affected. The card will not apply to people who are on the aged pension or Veterans payments, but can participate if they wish. The Debit Card is currently on trial in two locations - Ceduna and the Kimberley. There is a proposal to introduce this as a trial into the Geraldton area and the DSS is seeking comments and feedback on whether this community is willing to participate in the trial.

If you would like to know more about the Cashless Debit Card, or would like to provide some feedback to DSS through MAOA please call Gordon Gray or Lou Tatasciore at Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance (MAOA) on 9920 7900. All feedback must be received by 31 March 2016.